Tossing out an idea

[Lisa]

This may not be possible, but I'd like to see how many of us would be interested.

My idea is for HER2support.org to keep a restricted fund which could be used by members in times of financial emergencies. No, not that trip to Bermuda (although sometimes it seems like that WOULD solve some problems), but more like unexpected medical expenses.

This fund would be funded continuously by members with monthly pledge fulfillments...say $25 a month. All donations could be tax deductible. There would have to be certain restrictions, like no more than X dollars per grant, and no more than 1 grant per member per year. Something along those lines. Of course, someone would have to administer the fund.

I just know that our premiums are through the roof and insurance isn't covering it all. I'm in a good place compared to many, but it still isn't easy. An emergency could be devastating financially.

Let me know your thoughts.

Love and light to all,

Lisa

[Sheila]

Lisa
What a great idea....this would seem like the right thing to do for all the help we have received from each other...just another way to help those that are going through a financial crisis along with the devastation breast cancer can bring. Count me in.
Hugs
Sheila

[joy]

Hey Lisa, I think this is a good idea also. I just know from experience that solid guidelines and parameteres have to be in place from the beginning and that a decision making protocol should be decided ahead of time. My world is full of non-profits doing exactly this and I have seen what can happen if it is too relaxed and if it is too stringent no one gets any help. But it sure is a beautiful idea from a beautiful person!
with love,
joy
oh, i'd be 'in' too for this

[Rhonda4]

I'd be happy to help.

[Lisa]

Since this post has received 173 hits, but only 4 responses, am I to assume that you all think it's a bad idea?

Love and light,

Lisa

[StephN]

Hi Lisa -
No, I don't think it is a bad idea.
Was wondering how others would react and what input they would give.
Also looking for a response from Joe or Christine, since they were not mentioned in your original post, and it would involve them at least peripherally.
This sort of thing is not my area of expertise and I suspect many others feel that way - just would like some more fleshing out on how it would work and for whom in what circumstances.
Also many of us are making ends meet, but perhaps not really flush enough to commit to a "pledge" sort of thing. One-time donations, when feasible, should also be acceptable.
Let's keep exploring the idea!

[al from canada]

Lisa,

I recently read that over 50% of bankrupcies in the U.S. are related to medical crisis. That being said, count me in! What about the patient who lives in the east and is excepted into the Seattle, Washington trial? My father would say that if you can't afford it it's a matter of poor planning. I disagree. A medical emergancy or tragedy could be just plain bad luck or a maater of people putting their kid's financial welfare ahead of their own.

I don't know how or who to administrate this but the idea is brilliant. Maybe we sould have a medical bursory program; say $5 / member / year = $2000.00??, $10 = $4000??

Joe, input please. For many people, medical crisis = financial crisis!

Lisa, I think this is worth persuing. That being said, do you think that we need a consulting member / sponsor/ lawyer to donate time when needed? We could go on and on with the list and I'm sure this is far beyond the original vision and current mandate of this site; even turn this site into a foundation but................if we keep it simple it may just work!

Al and Linda